SNAP Standoff Could Hit Arizona Families

Rep. Kupper Warns Hobbs and Mayes That Withholding SNAP Data Could Jeopardize Federal Funding

Arizona State Representative Nick Kupper is urging Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes to reverse course on decisions he says place federal nutrition assistance for low-income families at risk.

Federal Warning Over Data Non-Compliance

Representative Kupper’s concerns follow a statement this week from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced that any state refusing to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data with the federal government could lose federal funding for the program. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the data is required to ensure eligibility, prevent misuse of taxpayer dollars, and safeguard SNAP’s integrity by identifying fraud and waste.

In his letter, Kupper emphasized that Arizona is now among the states facing possible consequences because of actions by the governor and attorney general, both Democrats. He stated that the federal government’s expectations are explicit: the information must be shared if states wish to continue receiving SNAP funds.

Concerns for Arizona Households

Kupper warned that withholding the required data puts Arizona families—especially those who rely on SNAP benefits for weekly groceries—at direct risk. If Arizona loses federal SNAP funding, he argued, the households that follow program rules and depend on these benefits would be the ones harmed.

“Families who follow the rules and rely on SNAP to get through the week should not be put at risk because the Governor and Attorney General are choosing political fights,” Kupper said in the release. “If Arizona refuses to comply, our state risks losing SNAP funding altogether. That outcome would punish people who legitimately need help.”

He added that political messaging should never take precedence over a program designed to provide basic food assistance for vulnerable residents.

Dispute Between State Officials and USDA

In his letter to Hobbs and Mayes, Kupper described their actions as obstructive. He referenced the governor’s decision to allow the data to be withheld and the attorney general’s pursuit of litigation aimed at preventing the release of the information. These moves, he argued, have created unnecessary conflict with federal authorities.

“This is not a speculative warning,” Kupper wrote. “This is a direct statement about the consequences Arizona now faces.”

He contended that resisting federal requirements does not strengthen the integrity of the SNAP program and instead undermines it by making it harder to ensure that only qualified recipients receive benefits.

Election-Year Politics and Federal Compliance

Kupper also noted the political backdrop of the dispute, acknowledging that the upcoming election year heightens tensions between state and federal leaders. He cautioned Hobbs and Mayes against allowing campaign-season maneuvering to interfere with the continued functioning of SNAP.

“The well-being of our citizens is far more important than whether any of us gets reelected,” he wrote. “The legal maneuvers and political stunts being undertaken here amount to little more than political theater.”

He urged both officials to set aside partisan divisions, comply with federal law, and protect the program.

Call to Action

Kupper concluded his letter with a direct appeal: provide the required data to the USDA so Arizona can remain compliant and continue receiving federal SNAP dollars. Doing so, he argued, is essential to protecting families who depend on consistent food assistance.

“Our responsibility is to the people of Arizona,” he wrote. “I ask you to act swiftly in their interest.”